The Dilemma is a vertical stagger low-profile keyboard with mods.
- Table of contents
- Features
- Versions
- Wireless abilities
- BOM
- Cases
- Community mods
- Build guide
- Forks
- Support me on Patreon
- Others / in progress
- Heavy pinky stagger
- MX and choc compatible
- Underglow RGB, Per-key RGB
- 2 Rotary encoders on thumb clusters
There are 2 versions of the dilemma, in 2 folders:
dilemma, for DIY that requires an additional MCU (eg. kb2040)dilemma_assembled, for PCB assembly
The Dilemma is made for rp2040, so if you go with the DIY version you should source your MCU board accordingly.
ZMK does not support input devices at the moment, and QMK does not support BLE.
However, as this is meant to be a portable keyboard, some ground work has been laid with the DIY version:
- pinout compatible with nice!nano
- 2 battery connectors footprints: JST, and THT
- on / off button footprint
At this time, the assembled version does not support wireless.
The PCB can work on standalone.
Depending on which version you go with, you will need to source different items.
On top of the basic build, you can add a range of options, which require additional components:
- 3d printed case
- mods (eg. trackpad)
Both versions of the Dilemma require:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| Audio jack | 2 | |
| Button, 4x4x1.5 | 2 |
On top of the parts mentioned above, you will need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| SOD123 Diodes | 34 | Farnell, Mouser, Aliexpress |
| Dilemma PCB, DIY, 1.2mm | 2 | See Release section |
| RP2040 MCU board | 2 | KB2040, elite-pi... |
| Header pins | 2*12 |
Please note, the Dilemma is compatible only with rp2040 boards !
The release section contains the latest gerbers.
Order in 1.2mm thickness.
On top of the parts mentioned above, you will need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| Dilemma PCB, assembled | 2 | See Release section |
The release section contains the latest gerbers with BOM and POS files.
Order in 1.6mm thickness.
This is the first mod made for the keyboard - so it can function as a standalone input device.
It uses I2C on the DIY version, and SPI on the assembled version.
The DIY version requires removing 2 resistors from the trackpad (see build guide).
When installing the trackpad mod, you will need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| M3 screw, torx, 6mm | 4 | Conrad |
| M3x5x5 screw insert | 4 | Aliexpress |
| 3d printed parts | See mechanical folder |
|
| 40mm cirque trackpad, curved |
If building the PCBA version, you will also need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| 12-position FPC cable, 0.5mm pitch, same side contacts, 100mm | 1 | Farnell |
If building the DIY version, you will also need:
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| SOD123 Resistor, 5kOhms | 2 | |
| Cables |
This case is only compatible with the assembled_v2 version !
Add an underglow effect and a beautiful view into the PCB with those acrylic midplates.
You will need
| Part name | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 3d printed top plate | 2 | 1 left, 1 right |
| acrylic mid plate | 2 | Order transparent or frost, 3mm |
| 3d printed bottom plate* | 2 | 1 left, 1 right |
| M3x4 flat head screw | 8 | |
| M3x4 chamfered head screw | 10 | |
| M3x5 female/female spacer | 8 | |
| M3x5 male/female spacer | 2 |
*the 3d printed bottom plate can be swapped out for a full acrylic bottom plate, or a metal plate for the magnet mod (see following sections).
If you are using the acrylic midplate, you can install a full bottom plate. Order the bottom acrylic plates in 3mm thickness.
You will also need to chamfer the M3 holes for the screws to be flush.
This plate enables the use of tripods through magsafe magnets.
Order the metal plates in 3mm thickness. The metal needs to be magnetized !
You will also need to chamfer the M3 holes for the screws to be flush.
You will need:
| Part name | Amount | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Metal plates | 2 | 3mm |
| Tripods | 2 | Neewer Z flex |
| Magsafe tripod adapter | 2 | Amazon/Aliexpress |
This case is only compatible with the DIY and assembled_v1 versions !
Designed for the minimum footprint possible, while still protecting the PCB.
| Part name | Amount | Link / source |
|---|---|---|
| M3 screw, torx, 6mm | 6 | Conrad |
| M3 nut | 3 | Conrad |
| Anti slip pads, 10x2mm | 12 | Aliexpress |
| 3d case | 1 right, 1 left | See mechanical folder |
The case is reversible.
It needs to be printed at 0.2mm layer height supportless specifically for the nut inserts suport-less interfaces. If you are doing a different layer height, use supports.
This case is only compatible with the DIY and assembled_v1 versions !
Accomodates the Splitkb tenting puck, to be used with a Manfrotto tripod.
There are a range of cases available. See details in the mechanical/cases folder.
There are a range of community mods available (hex plates, covers...).
You can find more information in the readme in the mechanical/community mods folder.
https://docs.bastardkb.com/hc/en-us/sections/6848232395410-Dilemma
If you like the keyboard, please consider helping me with Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bastardkb
I post regular updates and hindsight on my work. I work full time on keyboard innovation, and this helps a lot !
The PCB has available connectors for:
- oled
